How to Operate a Seasonal Kiosk Business

A kiosk is a great way to earn money, get a start in the retail business and exercise entrepreneurial spirit. Operate a seasonal kiosk for the December holiday period, Mother's Day or any other major season in a shopping mall or area with high customer traffic. Many major retailers look for people to operate seasonal kiosks on a regular basis.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Kiosk structure (and a cart as well)
• Permit
• Lease
• High customer traffic location

1. Determine the product to sell. Operate a seasonal kiosk selling chocolates at Easter, gift baskets during December or sports franchise items during the current season. Major manufacturers often post kiosk operation opportunities online.
2. Do some market research by selecting some locations. Look at customer traffic, disposable income of those who frequent the shopping area and the stores nearby that can draw people to your location.
3. Find the right location based on your market research. When working for a major retailer, you can sometimes choose from several locations or suggest your own.
4. Get the necessary leases and permits. Shopping mall operators deal with seasonal kiosks frequently. You want a short-term lease.
5. Find your kiosk structure. You can often rent the actual cart or kiosk from the mall company. Buy a used kiosk, but be sure it fits your inventory. There are new structures for sale online.
6. Order inventory. Allow plenty of time for delivery in order to be up and running by the important dates for your sales period.

Tips & Warnings

• Think outside the box when it comes to products. Talk to shoppers and ask what makes them stop at kiosks.
• Make it practical. The latest whirligig draws the kids in to watch, but they don't have the wallets. Beautiful gift wrapping and cards right outside the lingerie store bring in shoppers who need everything in one place.
• Start with a major brand-name kiosk. These are not necessarily franchise operations, and your cash outlay isn't be that big then.
• Always read the fine print on leases, permits and agreements with companies whose products you sell.